How switching from a monthly to pre-paid data plan could deliver big savings for iPad and tablet users

Tablet and mobile broadband users coming to the end of their device or data contracts could potentially save themselves a tidy sum by switching to a pre-paid plan.

A number of UK mobile networks, including EE and Three, sell data-only SIMs which come with a total allocation of data for a one-off, contract-free payment.

Depending on the network and the plan you opt for, the data will either be made available in monthly chunks, as with a standard pay monthly plan, or as a total allocation available to use as you like within a stated period – making it an ideal option for anyone whose usage varies sharply from one month to another.

Cards are available from various retailers, but the best deal at the time of writing this article appears to be a Three SIM that includes 24GB of data which lasts up 2 years and is available from Amazon.co.uk for just under £45.

If you’re a heavy user then you’d burn through that amount of data in a month of two but if you’re normally working from locations where there’s WiFi and just need mobile connectivity to fill in the gaps or as a backup, a switch from contract to pre-pay may give you greater flexibility and better value for money.